BEIJING - President Xi Jinping has called on the international community to respect and reflect the will of the people in developing countries in human rights development.

Xi made the remarks in a congratulatory message to the South-South Human Rights Forum, which opened in Beijing Thursday.

He extended "warm congratulations" on the convening of the forum, which will discuss the promotion of human rights in developing countries and the world.

Human rights must and can only be promoted in light of specific national conditions and people's needs, the message read.